New Information Regarding School Bus Driver Allegations

That driver was immediately placed on leave and has not driven a school bus since April 16.

The school district did not know until today – when similar allegations surfaced – that the driver was also responsible for transporting students on bus routes for North Barrington Elementary and the Barrington Middle School-Prairie Campus prior to April 16. No other bus routes or schools are believed to be affected at this time. The Barrington Transportation Company conducted all required pre-employment back-ground checks on this individual, finding no record of prior concerns.

While the driver is on leave and each allegation is thoroughly reviewed by the school district and appropriate authorities, certain facts need to be underscored regarding this situation:

1. So far, these are only allegations with no confirmed evidence of misconduct; still, claims of this nature are taken seriously while being properly and quickly explored by the Department of Children and Family Services and the pertinent police jurisdictions.

2. There has NOT been an arrest of this individual by local police. The person is presumed innocent while the matter is reviewed by applicable agencies. In the meantime, substitute drivers have been assigned by the Barrington Transportation Company to all routes in question.

The school district has a high regard for maintaining open, factual communication with parents while also protecting the confidentiality of individuals involved. Most important, administrators and teachers value the safety of all students at each school. Although this is a personnel matter that does not currently allow disclosure of additional details, please call the principal of the school your child attends or your local police if you can provide related information or if you desire further assurances regarding the well-being of your child.

Information provided by District 220